Vusimuzi Matlala Worried About Catching Life-Threatening Germs in Jail, SA Says: “There Are Doctors”
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala explained in his affidavit why he needed to be granted bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court
- The Gauteng businessman is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, fraud and money laundering
- South Africans were amused by Matlala's statement, with many saying that others have tried similar excuses
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is afraid that he will contract germs in prison and die, but South Africans aren’t too sympathetic.
The controversial Gauteng tenderpreneur made the statement during his formal bail application at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.
Matlala is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, fraud and money laundering. All charges are connected with the alleged hit on his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023.
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He is charged along with five others: his wife Tsakani (36), alleged hitmen Musa Kekana (35) and Tiego Floyd Mabusela (47), and Nthabiseng Nzama (23), the daughter of one of the hitmen.
Why is Matlala concerned about his health?
During proceedings, his advocate, Laurence Hodes SC, read out the affidavit in which Matlala claimed that he suffers from asthma and chronic tonsillitis, saying that his life was at risk if he were to contract germs in prison.
“If I contract bacteria or germs whilst in custody, my health will most likely deteriorate. And I might lose my life,” he said.
He asked that he be given bail as a result, saying he could afford an amount of R100,000 to post as bail.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about Matlala
- Tsakani Matlala was granted bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg in June.
- Paul Mashatile confirmed that meetings were held with officials implicated in allegations of ties to Matlala.
- Matlala allegedly threatened to take legal action against the SAPS officials involved in a raid at his property.
- Julius Malema denied having any links to 'Cat' Matlala, but South Africans weren't having it.
- Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize has been cleared of any association with Matlala, after false allegations were made.
- Matlala denied being the mastermind behind the hit on Thobejane.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users found Cat’s statement amusing, with many sharing hilarious reactions to it.
Sello Lenong Stanley joked:
“😂 There are doctors in prison, relax, Vusi, you will get your medication.”
Milton Madela KaNdaba said:
“Real cats have nine lives, time to live up to your name. Let's go.”
Paul M Sekwati noted:
“This post just reminded me that Zuma is also out on parole due to sickness🤣.”
Phathutshedzo Pd Netangula asked:
“Is he the only one with asthma in South Africa? He must relax this one.”
Amos Thabo added:
“Cats have 9 lives. What kind of cat is he that he's afraid to die? Suba weak man Matlala😹.”
Albert Mpule Mokoena noted:
“Schabir Shaik is playing golf as of now.”
Makgowa Isaac stated:
“Don't worry, Mr Matlala. You'll get good doctors and medication. You'll start to follow the treatment very well.”
Evaandar Lolies agreed:
“There are doctors in prison, maVusana.”
Deena Govender said:
“Someone should tell him that prisons in SA can cure you from any illness. It’s called the Zuma effect.”
Sivuyile Ndamase added:
“I thought the Cat had 9 lives.”
Bheki Cele explains calls to Cat
Briefly News reported that former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, explained recent attempts to phone Matala.
Cele came under fire after it was revealed that he tried to contact the businessman before his arrest.
South Africans were not buying Cele's defence, as Matlala has been accused of infiltrating the criminal justice system.
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Source: Briefly News
